Gauteng Investigates Claims of Illegal RDP Housing Rentals After Viral Video
JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has announced that investigations will be conducted following the emergence of a viral video featuring a Nigerian man claiming to be collecting rent from RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) beneficiaries in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg.
In the video, the man boasts about his financial influence and control over the properties, raising serious questions about the illegal occupation and rental of state-subsidised housing.
“It’s 6.27m, up and grateful. I am checking up on our small tenant, going to collect rent from all these places [in] SA,” he says in the video, as the camera pans to show RDP homes in the background.
The video has triggered widespread reaction online, with some users alleging that similar practices are common in certain communities.
Terry-Ann van Eck, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, emphasised that the selling or renting out of an RDP house is illegal.
“[This is also] a direct violation of the conditions attached to subsidised housing. RDP houses are allocated to qualifying beneficiaries for their primary residence and may not be used for private rental or commercial gain," Van Eck stated.
“We take this matter very seriously. It will be reported to the relevant authorities for urgent investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against any individuals found to be abusing the system,” Van Eck added. She urged the public to report any similar incidents to the department.
The Department of Justice also responded on X (formerly Twitter) following the online discussions over the incident, suggesting that the man was likely seeking attention.
“His statement is unlikely to be true. He is probably trying to aggravate South Africans, but the matter has been reported to the relevant agency,” the department said.
The Department of Justice further clarified the legal position, stating, “Renting out an RDP house for profit is strictly illegal at any time and can lead to losing that house. Without a legal transfer, the house still legally belongs to the original owner, leaving the buyer with no legal protection.”
Meanwhile, Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations, confirmed that the matter has been reported to relevant authorities.
“You can sell an ‘RDP house’ only if you have lived in it for at least eight years and possess the original title deed,” Monyela explained. “Selling before this period is illegal. The law requires that you first offer the house back to the government/municipality before selling to a private buyer,” he added.
The claims made in the viral video have sparked outrage and concern, highlighting the potential for abuse within the RDP housing system. The investigation by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements will seek to determine the veracity of the claims and take appropriate action against anyone found to be in violation of the law.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding state-subsidised housing and ensuring that it benefits those who are most in need. The authorities are urging anyone with information about illegal RDP housing practices to come forward and report it to the relevant departments.
The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the future of RDP housing and the fight against corruption and abuse within the system.
